Player Lamar wants will sign with Richmond

One men’s basketball player Lamar hoped to sign during the upcoming signing period committed to another school over the weekend.

J.J. Avila, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound forward, would have been a difference maker for Lamar after sitting out one next season because of NCAA transfer rules. Avila was the leading scorer for Navy when he left the service academy in mid-season, and he decided over the weekend to sign with Richmond, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

From the Times-Dispatch:

Navy transfer J.J. Avila, a 6-foot-7 forward, has committed to the University of Richmond, he confirmed to the Times-Dispatch on Monday. Avila, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, averaged a team-leading 15.9 points and 7.2 rebounds for the Midshipmen (3-26) last season. Avila visited UR over the weekend, and has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

The 245-pounder, who will sit out next season per NCAA transfer rules, said he also considered transferring to Temple, Pepperdine, Tulsa, Tulane, and Lamar. Avila visited only UR.

“It’s a very good academic school, which is on top of my list, the coaching staff was great, and the team seemed like a bunch of good guys,” Avila said of UR’s situation. “I like the style of play, and I think I can fit in pretty well.”

The resident of McAllen, Texas, was removed from the Navy team in early February because of an undisclosed violation of academy rules. Avila soon after withdrew from the academy.